Smoke is rising from the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, following reports of a boom that rattled windows.
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Reports were flooding in Monday evening about an explosion followed by a pillar of smoke rising from the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas.
12News viewers called in to say that they heard a boom that rattled car windows. One resident at the scene told a 12News crew that the area smells of rotten eggs.
Antonio Mitchell with the Port Arthur Fire Department confirmed there were an incident at the Valero facility but said details remained limited at this time.
“We don’t have units at the scene, currently, they’re rolling there now,” Mitchell said. “The type of incident is unknown at this time.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens said the incident might have involved a heater unit. Officials were monitoring air quality in the area.
Port Arthur Police and Fire Departments advised residents on the west side of the city to shelter in place, according to an emergency alert. Authorities emphasized that no evacuations have been ordered.
The Texas Department of Transportation urged drivers to avoid the area.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
The Valero Port Arthur Refinery is on the Texas Gulf coast, about 90 miles east of Houston, and employs about 770 workers. It produces 435,000 barrels per day and processes heavy sour crude oil into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, according to its website.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information becomes available.
